Queer, rather, I should say. Grace, now, is strange. I think she treats her husband shamefully. I can't imagine what possesses her, Thus to toss taunts at him with every word. If in his doctrines there be truth enough, He'll be a saint. _Patience_. If he live long enough. _John_. Well, now I tell you, such wild men as he,-- Men who have crazy crotchets in their heads,-- Can't make a woman happy. Don't you see? He isn't settled. He has wandered off From the old landmarks, and has lost himself I may judge wrongly; but if truth were told There'd be excuse for Grace, I warrant ye. Grace is a right good girl, or was, before She married David. _Patience_. Everybody says He makes provision for his family, Like a good husband. _Peter_. We can hardly tell. When men get loose in their theology The screws are started up in everything. Of course, I don't apologize for Grace. I think she might have done more prudently Than introduce her troubles here to-night, But, after all, we do not know the cause That stirs her fretfulness. Well, let it go! What does the evening's talk amount to? Who Is wiser for the wisdom of the hour? The good old paths are good enough for me. The fathers walked to heaven in them, and we, By following mekly where they trod, may reach The home they found. There will be mysteries; Let those who like, bother their heads with them. If Ruth and David seek to fathom all, I wish them patience in their bootless quest. For one, I'm glad the misty talk is done, And we, alone. _Patience_. And I. _John_. I, too. _Prudence_. And I. FIRST EPISODE. LOCALITY--_The cellar stair and the cellar_. PRESENT--DAVID _and_ RUTH. THE QUESTION ILLUSTRATED BY NATURE. _Ruth_. Look where you step, or you'll stumble! Care for your coat, or you'll crock it! Down with your crown, man! Be humble! Put your head into your pocket, Else something or other will knock it. Don't hit that jar of cucumbers Standing an the broad-stair! They have not waked from their slumbers Since they stood there. _David_. Yet they have lived in a constant jar! What remarkable sleepers they are! _Ruth_. Turn to the left--shun the wall-- One step more--that is all! Now we are safe on the ground, I will show you around.